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Daily Digest - January 14, 2021

“There are no words rich enough and no emotions deep enough to adequately put across the loss that we feel both individually and collectively.”Bishop Mande Muyombo on the death of Africa University’s vice chancellor, Professor Munashe Furusa. 


NEWS AND FEATURES

Africa University vice chancellor Furusa dies at 59

MUTARE, Zimbabwe (UM News) — Professor Munashe Furusa, Africa University’s fourth vice chancellor, died suddenly Jan. 13 at a local hospital. He was 59. He is being remembered as an innovative educational leader. Eveline Chikwanah and Kathy L. Gilbert report. 
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Ask The UMC
Why do United Methodists observe Human Relations Day?

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Every January, on the Sunday before the observation of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday, United Methodists come together to help bridge the gap between church and community by participating in an offering on Human Relations Day. Ask The UMC, a ministry of United Methodist Communications, has more on this churchwide Special Sunday. 
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Get resources 
Read more Ask The UMC

United Methodist Communications
84-year-old body builder finds strength in joy

BALTIMORE — United Methodist Ernestine Shepherd is an 84-year-old body builder who has broken records and appeared in a Beyoncé video. She also has struggled with anxiety and depression. Crystal Caviness reports how Shepherd found restoration through joy and faith.
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West African Writers
Church in Liberia celebrates new computer center

MONROVIA, Liberia — In partnership with Asbury United Methodist Church in Smyrna, Delaware, the church in Liberia has launched a new computer center and training program. During the dedication, Liberia Area Bishop Samuel J. Quire Jr. urged United Methodists, especially young people, to take advantage of the opportunity to enhance their computer knowledge. E Julu Swen has the story.
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New 2020 annual conference reports posted
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (UM News) — United Methodist News is posting 2020 annual conference reports. New this week is Peninsula-Delaware. 
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RESOURCES

Lewis Center for Church Leadership
Survey responses sought from young adults

WASHINGTON — The Lewis Center for Church Leadership for many years has tracked United Methodist clergy age trends. The center, part of United Methodist Wesley Theological Seminary, currently seeks input from younger adults — age 40 or younger — who may have sensed a call to ministry but decided not to pursue ordination or dropped out of the ordination process. 
To take survey


RECENT HEADLINES

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EVENTS 

Tuesday, Jan. 19

Online panel with the writers of “I'm Black. I'm Christian. I'm Methodist.”

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